New AI bushfire cameras can spot blazes within moments, set to be game changers for fire season

Cutting-edge AI cameras that can pinpoint fires up to 20km away are set to become game-changers during the looming bushfire season.

Cutting-edge cameras that use artificial intelligence to spot bushfires are helping authorities fight blazes and could soon be rolled out across the state helping authorities to spot blazes within moments.

Seven cameras deployed in pine and hardwood plantation in the state’s west have helped spot dozens of fires on private and public property, and in some cases have spotted blazes up to six minutes before humans, meaning they are a game changer when it comes to putting out fires before they get out of control.

Images from the network of cameras, which operate 24/7 and can see blazes up to 20km away, are analysed by artificial intelligence, which then alert authorities.

CEO of Victorian Forest Products Association, Andrew White says the cameras have already helped spot scores of fires in remote areas which could have turned into huge infernos.

Seven cameras deployed in a pine plantation in the state’s west have helped spot dozens of fires on private and public property. Picture: Supplied

“Each camera can view up to 20km,” he said.

“Last bushfire season the cameras in the Green Triangle Fire Alliance detected 40 unplanned fires.

“That includes 21 on private land, 11 on public, and 8 in the plantations.”

He added that the cameras were able to take and analyse hundreds of thousands of pictures.

The system also includes a human element with a person required to confirm the photos flagged by the system are a blaze and not clouds or dust.

Mr White said the AI cameras could be easily used in remote areas or areas too dangerous for people to be in on high-risk fires days.

Andrew Prolov, Head of Pano AI, Australia says the cameras have many uses and are hugely beneficial to the community. Picture: Supplied

The current seven cameras have been deployed on private pine plantations, but also overlook Budj Bim and Lower Glenelg national parks.

They also view Rennick State Forest, Tooloy-Lake Mundi Wildlife Reserve, Dergholm State Park and Roseneath State Forest.

The operators liaise with CFA and the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action to respond to blazes sorted by the cameras.

It’s understood, given the success of the program, that the maker of the cameras Pano AI has approached the state government to discuss using the resources on public land in high-risk bushfire areas.

The cameras will help boost the effectiveness of skilled Fire Lookout Observers, especially when there is no one on duty at the 64 fire lookouts. Picture: David Crosling

Andrew Prolov, Head of Pano AI, Australia said the cameras had many uses and were hugely beneficial to the community.

“With 24/7 monitoring, Pano AI provides live imagery of incidents, empowering first responders to make informed, objective decisions on the most appropriate course of action,” he said.

“This ensures scarce resources in regional areas are allocated efficiently, directing attention where it’s needed most.

“Our cameras aren’t just monitoring assets for fire hazards; they’re also providing broad community protection to help keep everyone safe.”

The state’s firefighting authorities have become increasingly aware of the potential to fight bushfire risk using AI in recent years.

Last month the federal and Victorian governments jointly announced they would contribute $1.5m to a Remote Sensing Bushfire Detection project.

The program used smoke-detecting AI software using ground cameras mounted on specific fire lookouts across the state.

The cameras will help boost the effectiveness of skilled Fire Lookout Observers, especially when there is no one on duty at the 64 fire lookouts.

Originally published as New AI bushfire cameras can spot blazes within moments, set to be game changers for fire season